‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann” in Switzerland

This fall, Rolando Villazón sings the title role in Offenbach’s Les Contes d’Hoffmann at Konzert und Theater St. Gallen in Switzerland.

Villazón’s portrayal of the tortured poet in Les Contes d’Hoffmann has long been celebrated as one of his defining signature roles. Renowned for his incandescent, hyper-expressive stage presence and intense emotional commitment, his performances have drawn acclaim from critics over the decades. Mostly Opera praised his interpretation as “completely unrestrained, exposing his wonderfully dark tone… from the drunkard to the desperate lover.”

Conducted by Michael Zlabinger, Villazón leads a distinguished cast, sharing the title role with Brian Michael Moore. The production features Eva Langeland Gjerde as Olympia and Giulietta; Sylvia D’Eramo, Marie Lombard, and Olivia Smith alternating as Antonia; Andrew Foster-Williams performing the four villains (Lindorf, Coppélius, Dr. Miracle, and Dapertutto); Jennifer Panara as Nicklausse; Riccardo Botta portraying the four servants (Andrès, Cochenille, Frantz, and Pitichinaccio); Jonas Jud as Luther and Crespel; Felix Gygli as Herrmann and Schlemil; and Mziwamadoda Sipho Nodlayiya as Nathanaël and Spalanzani.